Forts, Palaces and Desert Tour of Rajasthan

Rajasthan, the colourfulstate of Rajasthan , located in the North West of India, as a state, can be considered the most popular tourism destination in the country. In addition to it’s wonderful Forts and Palaces, Rajasthan offers visitors a insight in to the centuries old history of it’s Rajput kings and their bravery, and a chance to experience it’s vast deserts. This 13 day Rajasthan Forts and Palaces tour, showcases all of Rajasthan’s highlights , including the painted havelis and frescoes of Mandawa and Jaisalmer , the Forts and Palaces of Khimsar and Deogarh, the vast arid desert landscapes of Bikaner and Jaisalmer, and the picture perfect lake city of Udaipur, this Forts and Palace tour , truly showcases the finest of Rajasthan.

Your Rajasthan Forts and Palace tour begins in Delhi, and ends in Mumbai, giving you a chance to experience India’s two most culturally and historically significant gateway cities.

Delhi – India’s Capital Delhi, is a bustling metropolis, with almost 20 million inhabitants. Delhi is a city of contrasts, often called a perfect blend of the ancient and the modern, Delhi has monuments that are over 500 years old, and also has modern shopping malls, nightclubs and golf courses, Delhi truly is India’s crown jewel, and a perfect gateway for your Forts and Palaces tour.

On your arrival at Delhi International airport, you will be met by our representative, who will arrange for your transfer to your chosen hotel, and also hand you over the detailed itinerary for your Rajasthan tour and answer any questions that you may have. No activity is scheduled today, since most International flights arrive into Delhi, late evening, or close to midnight only. Overnight in Delhi.

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a guided sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. Tour include visits to the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, ChandniChowk, Raj Ghat, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, the President’s House, Birla Mandir and QutubMinar.

Evening at leisure, you could choose to relax and enjoy the hotels restaurants and facilities, or the more adventurous, could perhaps venture out for some independent sightseeing and shopping. The city of Delhi also has several fine restaurants offering India as well as a variety of International Cuisines. Overnight at hotel.

This morning you drive to Mandawa (250 kms/05 hrs), the first stop in Rajasthan, on your Forts and Palaces tour.
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Mandawa - Located about a 5 hour drive from Delhi, is Mandawa,which is considered the heart of the Shekhawati region, also called the Open Air Art Gallery of Rajasthan. This name was given to it, because of it’s painted havelis (homes and mansions of the rich trading community ) , many of which are still in existence, and can be visited. These havelis, with their unique character still bear witness to the rich & prosperous Marwari era of the 19th century.

Bikaner –About a 3 hour drive North of Mandawa, lies the royal fortified city of Bikaner. A city that still retains it’s medieval splendor, Bikaner is also known as “Camel country”, since, this is the region, that produces the best riding camels in World. The city is surrounded by Sand Dunes, and is dotted with Forts and Palaces, built of reddish pink sandstone, and has several centuries of history to showcase it’s visitors.

Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Afternoon guided sightseeing tour of Bikaner. Tour include visits to the Junagarh Fort, Deshnok'sKarni Mata Temple, and Camel Breeding Farm.

Khimsar-One of our favourite heritage hotels, the Khimsar Fort is located on the edge of the Thar Desert, in a unique rural setting. Lovingly managed by the erstwhile Maharajah of Khimsar and his family, The Khimsar Fort is truly a unique place to stay. The Khimsar Fort , with it’s battle scarred walls and turrets, with it’s manicured green gardens, beautifully restored rooms , and unique atmosphere is a place that you will always remember as one of the highlights of your Rajasthan Forts and Palaces tour.

Jaisalmer -A fascinating city rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage. A visit to Jaisalmer is a must for any traveler to Rajasthan. Jaisalmer, located very close to India’s North Western border with Pakistan, is a desert town, where one can see and even walk across vast stretches of Sand Dunes. At the centre of Jaisalmer sits the Jaisalmer fort, said to be the world’s oldest living fort, with over 5000 inhabitants still living within its walls, and over a dozen temples, where pilgrims from all over the country come to pray each day. Walking through the fort, one can witness the medieval pattern of life, where craftsmen still work at the ancient crafts of weaving and stone carving, making of silver jewelry and embroidery.

Upon arrival in Jaisalmer check-in to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a guided sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer. Tour include visits to the Jaisalmer fort, the Gaddisagar Lake, and the various intricately carved and sculptured Havelis (merchant’s homes) around the fort.

Evening visit to Sam sand dunes including a short camel ride. The incredible views of the sand dunes stretching for miles and miles, as far as the eyes can see, will long be remembered by you as one of the highlights of your Forts and Palaces tour.

Jodhpur – The second largest city in the state of Rajasthan, Jodhpur is often called the Blue city, and an oasis in the arid Thar Desert. The city has a rich history, it is known for its imposing forts and palaces, colorful bazaars, and the not to be missed Museums. The imposing Mehrangarh Fort towers above the city like a sentinel, and a visit there will be a highlight of your Rajasthan Forts and Palaces tour.

Upon arrival in Jodhpur, check in to your hotel and rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a guided sightseeing tour of Jodhpur. Tour include visits to the Meherangarh Fort, the JaswantThada and the Sardar Market. In addition to the regular city sightseeing tour, Jodhpur now offers some interesting touring options as well. While in Jodhpur, it is possible to do a Heritage walking tour, it is also possible to do a thrilling zip line Flying Fox tour, and even a Hot Air Balloon ride.

Deogarh --- DeogarhMahal, set in the heart of the Aravalli Hills, has been loving restored and converted into a heritage hotel by the ruling family of the area. Now known an one of Rajasthan's finest heritage hotels, the DeogarhMahal has beautifully decorated traditional rooms and suites, a stunning swimming pool, dining room, endless roof terraces, and above all, the erstwhile ruling family of the area are always at hand, to ensure that their guests are well looked after. The DeogarhMahal also offers opportunities to walk through the local village, which is one of the friendliest and safest in the area. The neighboring countryside boasts wonderful secluded picnic spots, and vintage car rides are also possible.

Upon arrival check-in to DeogarhMahal.

The rest of the day is at leisure to either relax or explore the surrounding village town with its colorful bazaars on your own. In addition to exploring the surrounding village and bazaars on foot, Deogarh also offers other exciting leisure activities like Horse rides, village walks, Vintage Car rides. Overnight at the DeogarhMahal.

Udaipur – also called the Venice of India, Udaipur, perhaps because of its many water bodies, is perhaps the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, and it is a complete contrast from the other desert cities of Rajasthan. Udaipur founded in the 16th Century by MaharanaUdai Singh (one of the Mewar Rulers) is built around shimmering blue lakes and is surrounded by the green hills of the Aravali Ranges. The James Bond film “Octopussy” was shot extensively in Udaipur.

Upon arrival check-in to hotel.

Afternoon guided sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Tour include visits to the City Palace, Saheliyon-Ki-Bari and the Jagdish Temple.

The day ends with a Sunset boat ride on the shimmering waters of the Lake Pichola, and the view of the sun setting into the shimmering waters of the lake, will long be remembered by you as one of the highlights of your Rajasthan Forts and Palaces tour.

Morning met by our representative and escorted from your Hotel to the Udaipur airport in time for your flight to Mumbai.

Mumbai: Mumbai or Bombay, as it was earlier called is still famous as being the commercial capital of India. Mumbai is a city of entrepreneurs, concrete towers, clubs and discos, cricket, Bollywood and more. It was during the days of the British Raj, that Mumbai became a major trading port for the East India Company, and till date, it remains the most important sea trade link for India. Mumbai is also the country’s financial capital, with the National Stock Exchange, major Banks and Brokerage Houses being head quartered there. It is also the centre of the Indian Film Industry, popularly known as Bollywood.

Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel for check-in etc.

Evening at leisure to perhaps venture out and discover the city or its many restaurants on your own. A visit to one of Mumbai’s famous night spots would be a good way to end your Rajasthan Forts and Palaces tour. Overnight at hotel.

Your Rajasthan Forts and Palaces tour ends with a transfer to Mumbai Airport in time for your flight home. Those with a bit more time at hand, would do well , to combine this tour , with either a short tour to Kerala, or with a beach extension to Goa.

# Accommodation on twin sharing bed and breakfast basis at the selected category of hotels.
# All arrival-departure transfers and land transportation exactly as per the itinerary using an aircon Car.
# Sightseeing tours along with an English Speaking Guide and including entrance fee to monuments as mentioned above in the Itinerary.